VA Pays for More Agent Orange Illnesses

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Veterans Affairs has started to distribute disability benefits to veterans who suffer from three additional illnesses thought to stem from Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.

Last year, the VA announced it would extend Agent Orange benefits to the three additional medical conditions in the wake of an independent study by the Institute of Medicine.

Agent Orange, a defoliant used in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1970 to minimize concealment for enemy combatants in wooded areas, has affected an estimated 2.6 million U.S. military personnel, according to the VA.

VA has offered veterans exposed to Agent Orange special access to healthcare since 1978, and priority medical care since 1981. VA has been providing disability compensation to veterans with medical problems related to Agent Orange since 1985.

"The joint efforts of Congress and VA demonstrate a commitment to provide Vietnam veterans with treatment and compensation for the long-term health effects of herbicide exposure," said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki in a press release.

About 200,0000 Vietnam vets are now eligible for disability compensation for the three additional medical conditions. Compensation is expected to take several months, according to the VA.

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